​H.E. Sheikh Prof. Dr. Suliman Aba Al-Khail, Rector of Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and Member of Saudi Senior Ulemas Council, has recently officially authorised the use of Blackboard Learning Software as a distance education system for all colleges of the university. 

It should be noted that, Blackboard is a virtual learning environment and course management system developed as a Web-based server software, which features course management, customizable open architecture, and scalable design, that allows integration with student information systems and authentication protocols. Its main purposes are to add online elements to courses traditionally delivered face-to-face and to develop completely online courses with few or no face-to-face meetings.

From its side, Al-Imam University Vice-Rectorate for Community Service and Information Technology will start arranges for the related training courses for the staff members.